JL: What do you see as the task facing black writers today, regardless of age or generation?

JB: This may sound strange, but I would say to make the question of color obsolete.

JL: And how would a black writer do that?

JB: Well, you ask me a reckless question, I’ll give you a reckless answer — by realizing first of all that the world is not white. And by realizing that the real terror that engulfs the white world now is a visceral terror. I can’t prove this, but I know it. It’s the terror of being described by those they’ve been describing for so long. And that will make the concept of color obsolete.Do you see what I mean?

It’s been four years since Chris Pineda, a Back of the Yards resident and Whitney Young High School student, was found murdered in the Cal-Sag Channel in Blue Island. With the then 17-year-old’s case still unsolved, members of Pineda’s neighborhood and community non-profits are taking to the streets to find the killer.

Their cause is supported by Madres por La Paz, a group of mothers who have similarly lost family members or are troubled by crime in their neighborhood.

The mothers’ group, Crime Stoppers and local churches marched throughout Back of the Yards Saturday to encourage witnesses to Pineda’s case, as well as other victims of violence to come forward.

About 50 people, including students and church leaders, took part in the event.

“We’re trying to pass flyers for people to help us…we’re here to try to tell people to help us find out who did it,” said Ingrid Pineda, one of Chris’ sisters. “We need to help other teenagers so they don’t have to go through what we did.”

Following the five-kilometer walk, Crime Stoppers, an organization that assists Chicago Police in unsolved homicides, passed out fliers to continue to raise awareness on Pineda’s case.

“Maybe someone will remember something, so that we can generate the tips and then give it all to law enforcement,” said Paul Rutherford, the vice chairman of Cook County Crime Stoppers.

“Everyone needs to step forward and do their part, the point is you have to control your environment,” Rutherford added, “You can’t be afraid to call 9-1-1. If you’re afraid then your community loses.”

Meanwhile for Ingrid Pineda and her family, the event is a sign of hope. “We’re going to keep on doing things like this,” Ingrid said, “We know they’re going to find out who did it.”